Returning to her office afterward, Luna had barely sat down when a call came in from Clover. Clover’s tone was light, as though she had some good news to share.
“Lulu, karma has come for the wicked. Sophie was beaten so badly by Simon that her sciatic nerve is damaged. She’s paralyzed now and stuck in a wheelchair.”
Luna’s hand, which had been scrolling her mouse, paused. She looked down slightly.
“What about Simon? Will he go to prison?”
Clover sighed regretfully. “No. Mr. Fulmer Senior won’t allow anyone from the Fulmer family to have a criminal record tarnishing their reputation. He privately hired lawyers to negotiate with Sophie’s parents and settled the matter with three million.”
Chapter 23
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Clover paused briefly before adding, “But Simon was forcibly sent abroad by Mr. Fulmer Senior the day before yesterday. He’s been banned from returning for five years. I heard that ever since he arrived overseas, he’s been acting like he’s suffered some great trauma. He doesn’t eat, doesn’t drink, and spends every waking moment doing only one thing–painting your portraits.
“But that baby… It’s so tragic. His mother is permanently disabled, and the father is gone.
Luna lowered her gaze, her expression icy and composed. “It’s finally over.”
On the other end of the call, Clover went silent for a few seconds, too heartbroken to find the right words.
She understood better than anyone just how.much resolve Luna must have mustered over the past few months to break free from a seven–year relationship, to soberly and methodically deal with everything and everyone tied to that painful entanglement.
The two continued talking for a while before hanging up.
Shortly after, Horace knocked and entered the office. He held a pineapple pie from Naavi, famous treat that was always hard to come by, and placed it gently on Luna’s desk.
“I just bought this. Give it a try.”
As Luna looked at Horace, she couldn’t help but think of Simon in the early days of courting her. Back then, he, too, had been attentive, winning her favor by buying her favorite pineapple pies.
She raised her head to look at the polished and graceful man standing before her; her brows knitted slightly.
“Horace, I just ended a seven–year relationship. I’m exhausted, both physically and emotionally. What I need now is two months of clarity, free of entanglements, before I can. even begin to think about us. If I were to have a thing with you right now, it wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Her clear and firm voice rang out distinctly in the quiet office.
“There’s no rush.” Horace’s thin lips curved into a faint smile as he met her gaze. “I have all the time in the world.”
Having finally met someone he truly liked, he was willing to wait however long it took
Luna stared at him in silence, her clear eyes betraying a flicker of emotion she couldn’t quite
game.
After a moment, she reached for the pineapple ple on her desk and took a small bite.
Two years later, a solemn wedding ceremony took place in a church in Naavi.
Warm sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, falling gently onto the bride’s
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Chapter 23
white gown and casting a soft, golden glow.
Luna held a bouquet of flowers, her eyes red with emotion as she gazed at the kind and gentle man before her.
Horace held the microphone and began his heartfelt confession.
“Lulu–no, l staying single.
You might not believe this, but three years ago, I was a staunch believer in
“But one day, your parents came to my office, wanting to invite me out for a meal. When I saw your mom’s phone screen wallpaper, which was a picture of you, I thought I felt something scratch at my heart.
‘At that moment, I had only one thought in my mind–yes, it’s you. If it’s you, marriage doesn’t seem so bad after all.”
“My dear wife, do you know, the night you agreed to date me, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep. I was like a giddy brat. I even secretly posted a status on social media. ‘Having something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to.”
‘And the moment you nodded when I proposed to you, I was filled with gratitude–grateful to the heavens for granting me such a wonderful relationship.
“My wife, I vow to love only you in this lifetime. Staying loyal to marriage has always been a guiding principle in the Lancaster family.”
Ten years later, Simon came to Naavi on a business trip. After checking into his hotel, he went downstairs for dinner. As he casually glanced around the restaurant, a figure that he knew all too well came into view not far away.
Luna, Horace, and their nine–year–old daughter were having a meal together.
The little girl resembled Luna about 50%, with her eyes curving into crescent shapes when she smiled.
But at this moment, she had her arms crossed and was pouting angrily.
“Daddy, you like Mommy more! You always peel shrimp for her, and only peel for me after She’s finished eating. It’s my birthday today! Can’t you make an exception just this once?”
Luna’s pink lips curved into a gentle smile. She was about to peel shrimp for her daughter when Horace reached out to stop her.
He ruffled his daughter’s head and smiled warmly
“Sweetheart, this isn’t favoritism. It’s because I feel bad for your mommy. Her fingers are so beautiful. It pains me to see them get oily from peeling shrimp.”
His beautiful wife should never have to touch anything like that.
Simon watched Luna in her happiness, then slowly walked out of the restaurant.
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As soon as he exited, tears streamed down his face.
This time, he didn’t approach Luna or disturb her
“Lulu, I’m happy to know you’re alive. I’m sorry. In the next life, please give me another chance. I’ll be the one who loves you instead.”
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